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Applying Decals

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  • Member since
    July 2016
Applying Decals
Posted by Tanker45 on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 7:50 AM

Hello all!

I'm curious as to what you all do for applying decals.  I model armor and quite often I get the decals nice and flat but still can see the edge of the film, even after several coats of clear.  

I have used stencils to replace some of the markings but still rely on the kit supplied decals for numbers, etc..

My process is gloss, decal with microset/microsol, gloss again, apply flat. 

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 9:02 AM

Tanker45

Hello all!

I'm curious as to what you all do for applying decals.  I model armor and quite often I get the decals nice and flat but still can see the edge of the film, even after several coats of clear.  

I have used stencils to replace some of the markings but still rely on the kit supplied decals for numbers, etc..

My process is gloss, decal with microset/microsol, gloss again, apply flat. 

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

I generally do not gloss again after applying the decals if I want a flat finish. I find flat clear coats work fine directly over the decals.  If I want a more weathered finish I may airbrush a lighter or same color, very light coat, over decals.  This sometimes hides edges a bit better than just the clear flat.  So it depends on subject and decals.  I generally do not use decal solvents unless there is a real need to, like a compound curve area.  Solvents are tricky and can really mess up the decal if you are not careful.  I do generally use the setting solutions, however.

 

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Friday, October 18, 2019 5:24 AM
Try to carefully remove as much film as possible close to the decal with an X-Acto knife

  • Member since
    July 2016
Posted by Tanker45 on Friday, October 18, 2019 7:41 AM

I usually try to get as close as possible.  I'll keep at it!  Thank you!

  • Member since
    July 2016
Posted by Tanker45 on Friday, October 18, 2019 7:43 AM

Thank you!  I'll give that a try!

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